Month: May 2005

emily and i went to the 168 hour film fest last night, wow what a lamo experience. We watched 10 short films and not counting the one I worked on there were 3 that were done fairly well. the rest all could have come from highschoolers or fundamentalist christians who read the Bible way too literally (or atleast interpreted it for their movie too literally). We have a long way to go before Christians make the kind of art that I’d want a non-christian to see. well it made me want to try my hand at another movie or 2, as soon as time allows, see if we can come up with some stuff that might turn heads.

Yesterday’s blog was a little more extreme than i had intended – I realized this after my loving wife pointed it out to me. My paraphrase of what the Psalm means in today’s world is heavy handed and tip my hand to theological leanings. One reason why it is somewhat disgruntled is because of all those times emily and i have talked about (and actually done it) living in unsafe areas. the people who thinks its outrageous to subject yourself and your kids to such uncertainties were sitting in the back of my mind while i was meditating on that. I haven’t read such a blatant passage of Scripture supporting such dangerous moves as in Psalm 41. though i realize my exegesis may not leave everyone convinced about what God will and won’t do, i do think it needs to be said – in a more contemplative manner. For I know that the influences of today continue to drive me away from any activity of the kingdom – and the activity of the kingdom calls me to truly die to myself. die to all of my rights. count everything loss. if this is so – oh Lord. what can i do today to learn this better because i have not yet forsaken all as you showed us how. show me how – lead us in the way everlasting.

today i read this as i was praying through Psalm 41.

“Happy are those who consider the poor; the Lord delivers them in the day of trouble. The Lord protects them and keeps them alive; they are called happy in the land. You do not give them up to the will of their enemies.”

Most often the scriptures say something about God caring for the poor, and how he protects them, but in this passage it is different, it is about those who sacrifice the luxuries of quintessential american life – the suburban house, SUV and “safe schools” to live with the poor (this is why they need protected), to live among the marginalized, the sick, the violent and places where faith is needed to live. This is why we have always felt safe in places that are notoriously “not safe.” Let our faith be in the God who protects not only those in need, but those who count everything loss in order to serve those who are without hope.